Public Statements

Gov. Jay Inslee Statement on Passage of Estate Tax Legislation

Statement

It's great news that the Legislature acted tonight to protect the Education Legacy Trust Fund by voting to fix a glitch in our estate tax law. That loophole would have let wealthy couples avoid paying estate taxes that single and divorced individuals must pay.

"The legislation I will sign tonight restores the original intent of the voter-approved estate tax -- to ensure that the wealthier among us, upon their passing, contribute to the future of this state.

"The bill also provides tax relief for family-owned businesses while not reducing support for the Education Legacy Trust Fund.

"Now that we have gotten over this hurdle, lawmakers need to shift their focus to approving a sound budget that helps us meet our constitutional obligation to fund basic education.

"We need to see compromise and good-faith negotiations on the operating, capital and transportation budgets that must be passed."